Expanding wild symbols are a common feature in online pokies nowadays. But do you know what exactly it means? In video poker and online slots, wild symbols act as substitutes for regular symbols and trigger a payout. They are similar to a joker in a traditional deck of cards, completing the combination in each game’s […]
Expanding wild symbols are a common feature in online pokies nowadays. But do you know what exactly it means? In video poker and online slots, wild symbols act as substitutes for regular symbols and trigger a payout. They are similar to a joker in a traditional deck of cards, completing the combination in each game’s rules. Though it is rare to find an online pokies platform without wild symbols, it does not mean every casino provides them. Before starting the game, you can ensure that the site provides wild symbols by checking the paytables.
In this way, you will not miss out on the odds the wilds are capable of creating. Although classic wilds are widely accessible, game developers have introduced various variations to enhance the gaming experience. Now, wilds range from expanding wilds to sticky and walking wilds.
Understanding the mechanics of these wilds can help you make informed decisions while gambling, thereby enhancing the winning potential.
What Are Expanding Wilds? Definition and Meaning
Expanding wilds are spread across the reel. They are different from sticky ones. Expanding wilds are wild symbols that grow to occupy other positions in a slot game. An expanding wild symbol will expand and fill the entire reel either vertically or horizontally. The expansion is carried out automatically, increasing the number of adjacent matching symbols. Expanding wilds are usually found in slot games that have a larger reel format or a unique layout. They are often combined with dynamic wilds.
Although they can appear directly in certain games, they might also require meeting specific requirements in a few slot games. They are usually activated after landing on qualifying reels, but can also appear alongside free spins.
There are visually captivating ones that have the power to turn a loss around immediately into a massive win because of the increased chances of forming a winning combination.
How Sticky Wilds Work? Explained
Sticky wilds in a slot remain on the reel for several spins once they land, meaning they will still be present on a reel even if the grid continues to spin. Sticky ones offer sustained opportunities over multiple spins. Sticky wilds are more important during bonus games and free spins. With the help of the Sticky Wilds casino game, punters can strategically anticipate the upcoming spins, thereby enhancing the game.
Sticky wilds can appear on different reels within a slot game like any other wild symbols. However, the specific reel on which the sticky wilds appear will change from game to game and can be understood with the help of reviewing the games’ paytables. Shifting wilds also act more like sticky wilds. The core difference between a sticky wild and a shifting wild is that they change position on the reel with each spin before disappearing.
Dead or Alive 2 by NetEnt casino provider, The Dog House Megaways by Pragmatic Play, and San Quentin 2: Death Row by Nolimit City are a few examples of the best sticky wilds slots. The Dog House bonus round is popular among punters because of the sticky multiplier wilds during free spins.
What Are Walking Wilds?
Walking wilds can be considered one of the most entertaining features because it changes the position on the grid between spins, adding a layer of suspense. Once the wilds become active, they can travel across the reels over several spins. Usually, they land on and move left until they fall off the grid, but they can also move from the top of the grid downward. They are often paired with respins.
Punters often highlight the peculiarity of walking wilds having a symbol that substitutes for all other regular symbols for a few subsequent spins, unlocking increased winning odds. Unlike the sticky wilds, walking wilds are mobile, triggering free respins and opening up new areas in the grid. Thus, they offer dynamic gameplay for punters. Jack and the Beanstalk by NetEnt is a walking wild slot popular among Aussie players.
Comparison: Expanding Wilds vs Sticky Wilds vs Walking Wilds
Let us compare and weigh the three punter-preferred wilds and find out the odds of each.
| Features | Expanding Wilds | Sticky Wilds | Walking Wilds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movement | Spread out across the reel | Static; does not move | Moves and sifts one reel over across the grid after each spin |
| Duration | Usually lasts for a single spin | Stays for multiple spins | Lasts for a long time until the symbol reaches the edge and falls away |
| Typical Trigger | Activates automatically | Triggered by landing on a specific game or bonus | Triggered by hitting a specific wild symbol on the grid |
| Common Bonus | Free spins | Bonus rounds and free spins features | Respins |
| Player Experience | High visual impact | Build anticipation over time | Highly dynamic gameplay |
Feature Table – Where Players Commonly Find These Wild Mechanics
Top online pokies destinations provide special features for punters. Here is what they can expect from the wild mechanics.
| Features | Usually found in | How it Works | Player Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanding Wilds | Egyptian-themed slots and classic video slots | A wild symbol expands over the entire reel | Form multiple paylines and increase the chances of winning |
| Sticky Wilds | Free spin bonus rounds and hold and win jackpots | The wild symbols land on the grid and stay for several spins | A weak round can be transformed into a guaranteed mega win because of the few spins that remain on the grid |
| Walking Wilds | Base game | They land and trigger free respins; after each respin moves one step in a specific direction | Extended free play and deeper grid coverage |
Popular Pokie Examples Featuring Special Wilds
Here are a few online pokies with special wilds.
1. Book of Dead
The Book of Dead by Play’n GO has book symbols both acting as wild and scatter. Before the spin begins, a symbol is chosen as the expanding symbol, and if enough of this symbol lands anywhere on the grid, they expand to cover the entire reel. While in Starburst, the wild stars will land only on 2,3 and 4 reels.
2. Gonzo's Quest Megaways
Two wilds can land at once here, and when they form a winning combination, they will remain in the grid and help to trigger more, resulting in an increased win multiplier.
3. Dead or Alive 2
As mentioned earlier, in Dead or Alive 2, sticky multiplier wilds occur, and when more than one wild lands on the same reel, they will be transformed into 2x and 4x multipliers. If you get at least 1 sticky wild on all 5 reels, then the game will award you with 5 extra free spins, resulting in maximum payout.
4. Wild Swarm
Wild Swarm by Push Gaming is a sticky wild casino game that produces bee symbols, and when they fill up a hive, it triggers the Swarm mode. Here, every bee wild that lands will be transformed into a sticky wild.
Tips for Understanding Wild Features Before Playing
Although the wild mechanics can change the gameplay, they do not alter the underlying game RNG or guarantee a win. Here are a few tips that can help you make maximum use of the wild features.
Before starting the game, read and understand the paytables.
Check and review the bonus terms and descriptions, and look for the wagering requirement.
Before accessing a real money game, practice with a demo version and understand the game mechanics.
Learn well when the wilds will trigger.
Understand the volatility and RTP of the slot before spinning.
Conclusion: Expanding, Sticky and Walking Wilds
Wild symbols add an extra layer of excitement to your ordinary casino game. They are rich in soundtracks and graphics, offering an immersive gaming experience. Apart from the classic wilds, special wilds such as expanding wilds, sticky wilds, and walking wilds add to the bonus play and aid in winning massive payouts. However, before starting the game, you should clearly read and understand the wild mechanics and bonus terms and wild-triggering conditions to result in an elevated gaming experience.
Always engage in responsible gambling and ring the national gambling helpline if you encounter any gambling-related issues.